Upcoming 16-inch and 14-inch MacBook Pros: Everything We Know

Apple introduced a new MacBook Pro M1 in November 2020, but the new model didn’t include any design changes. That will change in 2021, with rumors suggesting that Apple has a major MacBook Pro design update in the works.

The 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models arriving in 2021 will feature the most significant design overhaul of the MacBook Pro lineup that we’ve seen since 2016, and the updated machines will also address user complaints with the MacBook Pro. for years bringing back older features that include MagSafe, more ports, and physical function keys.

Rumors in this guide come from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloombergby Mark Gurman, both of whom often provide precise insight into Apple’s plans.

Design

Apple has updated 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models in the works. The 14-inch model will replace the current 13.3-inch model, while the 16-inch model will replace the existing 16-inch version that is available.

For the revamped 14-inch model, it’s likely that the overall case size will remain similar to that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, with the increase in screen size largely coming from a reduction in the top and side bezels of the machine.

The current 13-inch MacBook Pro

There may however be a slight increase in physical size. When Apple went from the 15.4in MacBook Pro to the 16.1in MacBook Pro, the physical sizing went from 13.75 x 9.48in to 14.09 x 9.68in, and we could see something similar with the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro

The two new models to come are expected to feature some notable design changes. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the new MacBook Pro models will feature a flat-edged design that is “similar to the iPhone 12,” without curved edges like the current models.

Gurman corroborated Kuo’s report, but his information suggests that the flat-edged design may not be too far removed from the current design. He says the upgraded models will “look like” the current models, but feature “minor design changes,” so we’ll have to wait and see how bad those changes in the overall design turn out to be.

Updated MacBook Pro models will use the same heat pipe design as the current 16-inch MacBook Pro model. Apple has revamped the thermal system of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, increasing the size of the heat pipe, adding thermal pads, and increasing the size of the heat sink by 35%.

This new thermal system will allow for increased computing power through better airflow and heat management, which bodes well for the performance of the Apple silicon chips that should be included.

The ports

Even though the chassis updates are more minor than Kuo claims, there are other tweaks underway that will make the 2021 update a major update. Kuo believes Apple will add additional ports to the MacBook Pro models, although it hasn’t specified which ports they might be.

In 2016, Apple rolled out a new MacBook Pro design that removed all ports except the USB-C ports and the 3.5mm headphone jack, but previous models from 2012 to 2015 included a “ MagSafe connector. ”, Thunderbolt ports, USB-A ports, HDMI port, SD card reader and 3.5mm headphone jack.

With the 2021 machines, we could see the return of some of these long abandoned ports. It’s likely that most ports will continue to be USB-C as Apple has been transitioning to USB-C for years now, but there could be additions like an SD card slot or an HDMI port.

Given Apple’s focus on USB-C and the slim design of the MacBook Pro line, we’re unlikely to see USB-A return, but Kuo said the new machines will have enough ports that most users do not need to purchase additional dongles. ”

Gurman’s report mentions the inclusion of USB-C ports, but it doesn’t mention other types of I / O.

MagSafe

Along with the additional ports, the new machines are expected to bring MagSafe back into the Mac lineup. ‌MagSafe‌ connectors were used for MacBook Pro models from 2006 to 2016, when Apple replaced the ‌MagSafe‌ connector with a USB-C port, but now it looks like we are going back to a ‌MagSafe‌ design.

Kuo and Gurman expect newer MacBook Pro models to be equipped with “MagSafe” for charging purposes, with the “MagSafe” charging port to be separate from other included USB-C ports.

ExpectedMagSafe‌ in newer MacBook Pro models is expected to be similar to the ‌MagSafe‌ 2 connectors and ports used before 2016, which allowed for a quick-release magnetic connection that prevented damage to the computer and cable when the cord was pulled.

The ‌MagSafe‌ charging feature should allow faster charging speeds than those available with USB-C, and given that Apple is moving to new charging technology, we can expect future MacBook Pro models are delivered with a ‌MagSafe‌ charging cable and the accompanying mains adapter.

No touch bar

Apple introduced a touch bar in the 2016 Macs, providing a small OLED display where the physical function keys were located. Apple had big plans for the Touch Bar and envisioned it to be an adaptable mini-display with customizable controls and different functions per app, but the Touch Bar never seemed to appeal to consumers.

Kuo says the Touch Bar will be removed from the 2021 MacBook Pro models and replaced with physical function keys. Gurman confirmed that Apple has tested versions of the MacBook Pro that do not have Touch Bar.

Pin up

Gurman believes new MacBook Pro models will feature display enhancements in the form of “brighter, more contrasting panels,” and in the past Kuo has suggested that updated machines will be the first Macs with mini displays. -LED, marking a significant improvement in display quality.

Since Kuo made no mention of mini-LED technology in their most recent report, it’s possible that mini-LED functionality was delayed to a later date.

If Apple switches to mini-LEDs for the 2021 MacBook Pro models, the displays could use around 10,000 LEDs, each smaller than 200 microns. Mini-LED technology will allow for a thinner and lighter design, while providing many OLED-like benefits, such as improved wide color gamut, high contrast and dynamic range, and truer blacks.

Processor

The entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro already has a ‌M1‌ chip, and in 2021 all new MacBook Pro models will gain Apple silicone chips. Apple is not expected to release MacBook Pro models with Intel chips, completely eliminating Intel chips from the notebook line.

Apple is working on high-end Apple silicon chips that have up to 16 power cores and four efficiency cores, which would wipe out any Intel processor in terms of performance. New GPU technology is also in the works, with Apple designing 16-core and 32-core GPU options, some of which could be used in newer MacBook Pro models.

Release date

New MacBook Pro models are expected to launch in Q3 2021.

Read more

We’ve got more on current MacBook Pro models and upcoming redesigned MacBook Pro models in our 13-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro roundups.